At our studio, we’ve carefully chosen our favorite metals for creating jewelry, offering a range of styles, price points, and options for different skin sensitivities. We believe the right metal is key to a harmonious relationship between you and your jewelry. Explore our Metals Encyclopedia below to learn more about the properties and care of each material.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver, marked by the 925 stamp, is composed of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. This alloy strengthens pure silver, which is naturally soft, making it perfect for creating durable, long-lasting jewelry.
Care
Sterling silver can develop a patina as it reacts to moisture and sulfur in the air. Interestingly, the natural oils from your skin help prevent this, so sterling jewelry actually benefits from being worn. To restore its bright shine, simply use a
Sensitivity
Sterling silver is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. For most people, the 92.5% silver content won’t cause irritation. However, if your skin is extremely delicate, the small amount of copper in the alloy may trigger a reaction. In that case, we recommend gold, our most skin-friendly metal.
Our Favorite Sterling Styles: Roma Link Bracelet and Roma Link Choker, Shilling Hoops, and Concho Earrings.
Gold Plated Brass & Gold Vermeil
Our gold plated jewelry features a durable 2.5+ microns layer of 23.5 karat gold, carefully toned to match the rich color of 18 karat gold. Unlike thinner "flash" plating (less than 0.175 microns), this thicker plating is designed to last but can still be worn down over time with friction against surfaces, and exposure to abrasive chemicals, cosmetics, or acids naturally found on the skin.
We use only nickel-free base metals, such as sterling silver (for our gold vermeil pieces) or jeweler's brass.
Care
To maintain the beauty of your gold plated pieces, store them in a soft pouch or jewelry box when not in use. We recommend removing them before showering, swimming, exercising, or applying skincare and cleaning products to prevent damage to the plating.
If you notice wear over time, replating services are available starting at $20 through our
Sensitivity
In our gold vermeil pieces, only 23.5k gold touches your skin, making them an excellent option for those with very sensitive skin.
Gold Fill
Gold fill jewelry features a thick layer of 14k gold that is heat- and pressure-bonded to a core of jeweler’s brass. Gold fill must contain at least 5% of the total weight in gold, ensuring a lasting quality that meets industry standards. Thanks to this unique bonding process, gold fill is more durable than even a thick gold plating and can last for years with proper care.
Care
While gold fill jewelry is water-resistant, it’s best to remove it before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying skincare and cleaning products to maintain its luster and durability. Chlorine, saltwater, and harsh soaps can degrade the gold layer over time. To keep your gold fill pieces bright, use a polishing cloth regularly, and store them in a soft pouch or box when not being worn.
Sensitivity
Gold fill is an excellent choice for sensitive skin, as the outer layer is a substantial coating of 14k gold. Over time, as the gold wears down, the brass core may become exposed, which could cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin.
Our Favorite Gold Fill Styles: Daisy Earrings, Georgia Bangle, Paperclip Bracelet and Paperclip Necklace.
Solid Gold
For over 5,000 years, gold has represented exceptional value and rarity in human culture, with its use in jewelry dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt. Revered for its beauty and luster, gold has adorned royalty, signified wealth, and been used in religious artifacts throughout history. Gold, formed in the hearts of stars and present since the Earth’s creation, is a finite and precious resource. It’s also a pleasure both to work with and to wear.
The karat system denotes the percentage of pure gold in the alloy: 24k is pure gold, 22k contains 91.7% gold, 18k contains 75% gold (with 25% typically made up of metals like copper or silver for added strength), and 14k has 58.3% gold (with the remaining percentage often comprising copper, silver, or zinc). Higher karats offer a richer color, greater purity, and increased weight due to gold's luscious density, which many find appealing.
Gold is ideal for those who wish to wear their jewelry 24/7 without worrying about surface changes.
Care
Gold pieces are designed to last a lifetime and can be passed down for many more years. To ensure their longevity, store them in a soft pouch or box when not in use. We recommend protecting your gold from chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Brighten your gold with a polishing cloth to keep it looking its best.
Sensitivity
Solid gold is the best option for those with extremely sensitive skin. It is the least reactive of all precious metals and pairs perfectly with your skin's pH.
Our Favorite Solid Gold Styles: Classic Band, Zoe Hoops, Giza Band, Long & Short Chain Bracelet and Necklace, pieces from our Vintage Edit.
Embracing the Beauty of Mixed Metals
We love mixing metals in our jewelry collection and truly believe it’s not a fashion faux pas! Combining gold and sterling silver adds depth and dimension to our style, allowing us to express our individuality and embrace what makes each piece of jewelry so special.